“The Way We Get By”

posted at 11:07 pm on June 25, 2009 by Slublog
printer-friendly

Since the first Gulf War in 1991, a group of veterans and townspeople from the area have greeted every troop flight that arrives or departs from Bangor International Airport. They’re so loyal to their mission that the airport set aside a permanent room for them.

I’ve been at the airport a couple of times when troop flights have arrived, and it’s a moving experience. Soldiers file in and the minute they enter the terminal, the troop greeters start applauding, shaking hands and hugging the troops. In the troop greeter room, soldiers are given access to snacks and free cell phones they can use to call loved ones. Although I’ve never been a formal part of the troop greeting, I have taken the opportunity to shake a hand or clap for those who serve our country.

“The Way We Get By” follows the lives of three troop greeters. It’s in limited release now, but at the movie website you can request a screening of the film in your area. The reviews, both from professional reviewers and those I know who have seen the movie, are extremely positive. If you can’t get to a screening, the movie will be shown on Veteran’s Day on public broadcasting.

Plug for the troop greeters: If you’d like to donate to their cause, here’s the link. Your donations pay for the snacks and amenities given to the soldiers. All of the greeters are volunteers.

Blowback